Harleysboss
03-16-2015, 04:51 PM
I have been compiling components to try and paper patch my 54cal Lyman Trade Rifle with a 1-48 twist. I started out with Hornady Great Plains Bullets 425grn HBHP. I had a sizing die made at .532. I sized the bullets and got rid of the lube on them. I had to experiment with different papers to get the fit that was right.(Seems like my bore is over sized). I settled on two wraps of printer paper.
So at the range today I loaded my first three shots with 70grn of ffg Goex. My load was powder followed by a card wad followed by the pp bullet. Stayed at 50 yards today. First 3 were centered on the target with about a 3" group. Not bad but would like to see it tighter. I moved up to 80gr ffg and fired another 3 shot string. This time impact was about 3" right of center but much tighter 1.5".
The AR crowd started to show up so I called it quits for the day. I was surprised with the results. I will increase the load next session until things open back up. Maybe 80 is going to be the sweet spot. Time will tell. If things work out I will have a mold made for this rifle. I will tweek the diameter of the bullet so that I can use the #9 onion paper that I use for my "HOT ROD" Deer Stalker. 50cal 1-28 GM LRH barrel.
So at the range today I loaded my first three shots with 70grn of ffg Goex. My load was powder followed by a card wad followed by the pp bullet. Stayed at 50 yards today. First 3 were centered on the target with about a 3" group. Not bad but would like to see it tighter. I moved up to 80gr ffg and fired another 3 shot string. This time impact was about 3" right of center but much tighter 1.5".
The AR crowd started to show up so I called it quits for the day. I was surprised with the results. I will increase the load next session until things open back up. Maybe 80 is going to be the sweet spot. Time will tell. If things work out I will have a mold made for this rifle. I will tweek the diameter of the bullet so that I can use the #9 onion paper that I use for my "HOT ROD" Deer Stalker. 50cal 1-28 GM LRH barrel.